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Consider for most travelers; recommended for those who might be exposed to blood or other body fluids, have sexual contact with the local population, or be exposed through medical treatment (e.g., for an accident).

Recommended for most travelers, especially those who are staying with friends or relatives; visiting smaller cities, villages, or rural areas where exposure might occur through food or water; or prone to "adventurous eating"

Transmission

Guidance

Recommendations

Consider for most travelers; recommended for those who might be exposed to blood or other body fluids, have sexual contact with the local population, or be exposed through medical treatment (e.g., for an accident).

Transmission

Guidance

Recommendations

Recommended for most travelers, especially those who are staying with friends or relatives; visiting smaller cities, villages, or rural areas where exposure might occur through food or water; or prone to "adventurous eating"

Transmission

Fecal-oral route (contaminated food and water)

Guidance

Non-Vaccine-Preventable Diseases

The following diseases are possible risks your patients may face when traveling in Hong Kong. This list is based on our best available surveillance data and risk assessment information at the time of posting. It is not a complete list of diseases that may be present in a destination. Risks may vary within different areas of a destination.

Patient Counseling

Eat and drink safely

Prevent bug bites

Counsel travelers to take standard precautions against bug bites, including use of an appropriate insect repellent.

More Information on Insect Repellents

DEET (concentration of 20% or more) is the only insect repellent shown to be effective against ticks. However, several EPA-registered active ingredients provide reasonably long-lasting protection against mosquitoes:

Picaridin (KBR 3023 [Bayrepel] and icaridin outside the United States; chemical name: 2-(2-hydroxyethyl)-1-piperidinecarboxylic acid 1-methylpropyl ester): Must be reapplied more often than DEET.

Oil of lemon eucalyptus (OLE) or PMD (chemical name: para-menthane-3,8-diol), the synthesized version of OLE. “Pure” oil of lemon eucalyptus (essential oil) is not the same product; it has not undergone similar testing for safety and efficacy, is not registered with EPA as an insect repellent, and is not covered by this recommendation.

Encourage patients to use repellents and reapply only as instructed. If sunscreen is also needed, they should apply sunscreen first and repellent second. Encourage them to follow package directions for using repellent on children and avoid applying to their hands, eyes, and mouth.

Additional Resources

Stay safe outdoors

Advise travelers to exercise caution during outdoor activities. Important tips include dressing appropriately for the climate (such as loose, lightweight clothing in hot climates and warm layers in cold climates), staying hydrated, avoiding overexposure to the sun, and practicing safe swimming habits.

Encourage travelers to learn basic first aid and CPR before travel, especially if they will be traveling to remote areas where medical assistance may not be accessible. Help them assemble a travel health kit.

Select safe transportation

Motor vehicle crashes are the #1 killer of healthy US citizens in foreign countries.

Most recommendations for safe transportation are basic and could be considered common sense. However, travelers often do not think about the importance of being aware and careful when walking, riding, driving, or flying. Counsel travelers to think about transportation options before they arrive, especially if they will be driving in Hong Kong.

Some basic reminders to review with your patients:

Choose safe vehicles and avoid motorbikes when possible.

Wear a seatbelt or a helmet at all times.

Do not drive after drinking alcohol or ride with someone who has been drinking.

If they will be driving, remind them to get any driving permits and insurance they may need. It is recommended to get an International Driving Permit (IDP).

Avoid using local, unscheduled aircraft, and fly on larger planes (more than 30 seats) when possible.

Helpful ResourcesRoad Safety Overseas (Information from the US Department of State): Includes tips on driving in other countries, International Driving Permits, Auto Insurance, and other resources.

Maintain personal security

Travelers should be reminded on how to protect their personal safety during travel, regardless of their destination.

The US Department of State has an extensive website with safety information for international travelers, travel alerts and warnings, and country-specific information. Travelers should be directed to the Department of State resources for information and tips on safe travel.

Stay abreast of current events, particularly those that could pose a safety or health problem for travelers. You can also receive updates on new travel alerts and warnings from the US Department of State by subscribing to their RSS feeds.

Travel Health Notices

Advising Returning Travelers

Although some illnesses may begin during travel, others may occur weeks, months, or even years after return. A history of travel, particularly within the previous 6 months, should be part of the routine medical history for every ill patient. A newly returned, ill international traveler should be preferentially evaluated by a physician versed in travel-related illness.

Here are two professional medical organizations that provide directories of travel clinics throughout the United States:

Map Disclaimer - The boundaries and names shown and the designations used on maps do not imply the expression of any opinion whatsoever on the part of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention concerning the legal status of any country, territory, city or area or of its authorities, or concerning the delimitation of its frontiers or boundaries. Approximate border lines for which there may not yet be full agreement are generally marked.